Apple's March 27 event: What to expect and how to watch

Apple recently sent out invites to a special event, where the company is expected to announce new products and services – including new iPads. (Sorry, no iPhones.) The Apple event is taking place in an entirely new city — and at a somewhat unusual venue.

Apple’s March 27 event: When is it and where is it?

Instead of holding the special event at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, Calif., Apple is holding the event Lane Tech College Prep High School in Chicago, Ill. The event invite specifically asks attendees to “Join us to hear new creative ideas for teachers and students.”

Education it is, then.

Apple

Apple’s March 27 event: How to watch

There will not be a livestream of the event. However, Apple plans on making the event available for streaming either through the Apple TV Apple Events app or the Apple Events website a few hours after the event concludes.

Apple’s March 27 event: What to expect

iPads

With the event focused on education, we can expect Apple to announce new iPads. A recent report from Bloomberg indicates Apple will announce low-end iPads designed and priced to attract the education market.

Just a few weeks ago, we reported Apple had two new iPads ready for release, thanks to filings with Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC). Previous reports have speculated Apple plans to release new iPad Pro models with its face-unlock feature, FaceID, later this fall.

Apple No. 2 Pencil

Beyond looking at the location of the event, the Apple logo on the invite itself screams Apple Pencil with its flowing lines.

Since its debut, speculation about the Apple Pencil expanding to more devices, including the iPhone, has followed it. We could very well see a new Apple Pencil with expanded compatibility for lower-end iPads.

Software

Apple’s classroom tools and coding apps should also see an update.

Currently, Apple’s Classroom service provides the means to manage students, classroom projects, lectures, and share iPads with multiple students. Additionally, the Swift Playgrounds app used to teach users how to code games and apps in a playful manner could see an update.

Given iOS 11.3 is currently in beta, and Apple’s history of releasing hardware alongside software updates, it’s almost a given we will see the release of iOS 11.3. Apple has updates ready for Apple TV, Macs, and the Apple Watch.

One of the more notable features in the upcoming OS release is the introduction of a new battery health tool. Through the tool, iPhone users can view battery health and whether the device is being slowed down. If that’s the case, the user can disable any throttling.